Our Ministries

The Catholic Campus Ministry at the Newman Center offers many ministries in which students can participate! It ranges from helping out at Mass to eating dinners with other students. Check out the information below to see all the different things you can do. We hope you will feel welcome in our community.

Spirituality • Catechesis • Stewardship • Hospitality

Spirituality Ministry

Liturgical Ministry
Through the integration of prayer and service, Liturgical Ministry provides students with a means to serve God during the Mass. The roles of lector, Eucharistic minister, usher, and server offer various ways in which students can be involved in the liturgy. The liturgical ministers schedule is updated online for your convenience. For more information about serving at Mass, contact Shaun Blanchard.

Spiritual Communities
Spiritual Communities at Newman are a great way to learn more and to grow in your faith. Newman has various small faith groups and bible studies which discuss various topics and scripture. There are Ambassadors representing Newman in many dorms across campus, whom students can meet to chat or to walk to Newman in groups. There is also a weekly Holy Hour which consists of the Rosary circle, Stations of the Cross, and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. If you would like more information, please contact Mary Bigelow or Michael Krouse.

Retreats
Newman retreats are opportunities for those who attend to meet other students and explore different aspects of their faiths. Retreats offer a great opportunity to take a break from the craziness of life on campus, meet other young Catholics, and learn about the Catholic faith. There are two big retreats a year, as well as class-specific ones. If you are interested in these or other retreat opportunities, contact Julie Mikus.

Music Ministry
The choir provides students with an opportunity to use their musical talents in a worshipful setting. Both instrumentalists and vocalists are welcome and no experience is required. For more information about becoming involved in our Music Ministry, contact Danielle Nowell or Kevin Schroeder.

Catechesis Ministry

Service
Newman provides many avenues to answer God's call as faithful Christians to serve the community. Students are encouraged to become involved in activities such as cooking at the Interfaith Council Shelter (IFC), going on alternative fall and spring breaks, and visiting nursing homes, among other things. To find out how to participate in these projects, contact Pam Della Valle, Patricia Ryan, or Erin Thompson.

Social Justice
Newman believes very strongly in promoting Catholic Social Teachings. Through educational programming, students are able to learn about issues of great social concern as well as actively participate in working against injustices. We focus on issues such as the sanctity of life (death penalty and abortion) and political issues, mental health awareness, and issues of economic justice worldwide and at home. For more information on how you can get involved, contact Maura Baldiga.

Stewardship Ministry

Public Relations
The Public Relations ministry seeks to serve the Newman community by publicizing upcoming events and keeping students, parents, and alumni informed through the website, photographs, the New(s)man, the Newman Public listserv, and announcements. If you are interested in writing articles for the New(s)man, please contact Emily Merwin.

Special Projects
Special Projects is a ministry dedicated to serving Newman through various fundraising activities while at the same time fostering an environment conducive to new friendships, as well as personal and spiritual growth. Some of our big fundraisers are the annual Phone-a-Thon, taking football tickets at home games, and checking bags at basketball games. If you would like to help in any of our fundraisers, please contact Nathan Fennell, Kristen Peet, or Sarah Schaller.

Diversity and Interfaith
Diversity and Interfaith respectfully and humbly works with other faith communitites to both expand and strengthen Newman's bonds with these communities. Its main goal is to learn about other faith communities and relay that knowledge back to Newman, and vice-versa, in order to stop the problem of religious illiteracy. Work is also done to raise Catholic Awareness, create opportunities for growth in faith, and achieve common social justice and community service goals both in and outside of the Newman community. For more, contact Sandy Hinderliter and Rebecca Smith.

Hospitality Ministry

Nurturance
The Eucharist is the center of our Catholic faith and Newman believes in extending this holy feast through Student Nights on Wednesdays. Student Nights are a time to come together and enjoy good food, great company, and fun activities. If you would like to participate in the preparations or have any questions, please feel free to contact Katie Mason or Rachel Weiner.

Social
Newman's social activities offer a way to build friendships among students and give students a way to have fun with other people while sharing their love of Christ. We hold a variety of activities, including movie nights and game nights, as well as going ice skating, bowling and other various off campus events. In additional, Newman has two semi-formals, one in the fall and spring. For more information, contact Sophia Estrada or Mathieu Forgues.

Community Relations
As Catholic Christians, it is important for us to maintain links between ourselves and the general public and to be aware of upcoming events in the UNC and Chapel Hill communities. This ministry helps us to recognize our responsibility in our wider communities as witnesses to the Gospel. For more details on how to get involved, please contact Melissa Cochran.